Acura TL Catalytic Converter

Discovering the Culprits Behind a Faulty Acura TL Catalytic Converter

The catalytic converter is a very essential part of the emission system and you can't afford to get this damaged. This allows your exhaust system to reduce harmful emissions through burning the carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon and turning them into less harmless gases. However, you can't avoid the fact that even the Acura TL catalytic converter would soon give up especially if it wasn't properly taken care of. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you out so that you'll know what to do when these issues arise.

Rattling noises

You can tell the condition of a catalytic converter by the sound it makes. Using a rubber mallet, carefully hit the part and take note of the sounds you hear. If it makes a rattling noise, it could mean that the ceramic block inside is worn and you'll have to get the catalytic converter replaced so that you can get the exhaust system's optimum performance. Take note that this does not work on pellet-type converters.

Bad engine performance

One of the reasons why the catalytic converter fails is because of unburned fuel. If you sense that the engine is not performing as it should, then you might have to replace the catalytic converter. But first, you have to diagnose any trouble codes before installing a new one so that you can preserve and improve the effectiveness and performance of the engine.

Faulty oxygen sensor

Another factor why the catalytic converter becomes problematic is due to a faulty oxygen sensor. If this becomes defective, it will fail to read the converter's efficiency. This will cause little to no back pressure at all and will harm the performance of the engine. Have the catalytic converter inspected by a trusted mechanic so that you'll get proper assistance on how to fix the matter at hand.

Rusted parts

The catalytic converter becomes faulty if its parts are rusty. Once in a while, check the flanges, screws, and clamps that are around the exhaust pipes. If they're rusty, get them replaced right away. Inspect the outer shell of the converter as well. If it's getting corroded and worn, you might have to get this replaced.

Benchmark Catalytic Converter

Acura TL Catalytic Converter Available Years

Acura TL Catalytic Converter Cleanup 27 February 2013

If there's a part that needs to be always clean in your car, that's the catalytic converter. It's important to keep this dirt free because this is in charge of converting dangerous emissions into harmless ones, thus saving the environment. Carbon dioxide is very dangerous when inhaled, so that's why it's essential to do proper upkeep. Here are some tips that you can use to make the Acura TL catalytic converter fresh and clean.

Clean the clogged catalytic converter.

It's unavoidable for the catalytic converter to get clogged up eventually especially with the different road conditions you go through. However, before the dirt starts to build up, you might as well clean it up before it gets any worse. Using a clean cloth or paper towel, wipe the debris and contaminants off the catalytic converter. If there's dirt buildup, you can use a power washer to effectively clean it. Make sure to completely dry it up before installing it back into the exhaust system.

Be aware of the contaminants that enter the vehicle's system.

Most of the OEM catalytic converters usually last about 100,000 miles, which is why you have to be careful of the contaminants that enter the car. Lead, for example, can damage the converter and even though this isn't found in gasoline anymore because it was banned, it can still be found in some engine additives. Silicone comes from leaks, which lets the coolant burn in the engine and get out of the exhaust system. Meanwhile, phosphorous can be found in motor oil, which can travel toward the combustion chamber. Take note that these three factors can greatly affect the engine, which can lead to damaging the catalytic converter. So, it's best to have a regular checkup with your mechanic to know if there are contaminants in the vehicle.

Regularly visit a professional mechanic.

It's good to get your car checked up by a mechanic once in a while to know how it's doing. Take a good look at the exhaust system, especially the catalytic converter, to know whether or not you have to replace some parts to get it to work effectively again.